The Up-to-date Furniture Warehouse and Factory (S. Holcroft, proprietor), Alfred Street, Blenheim. This business was established in the year 1890 by Mr. T. Batty, and was conducted by him in a small wooden building until December, 1903, when it was bought by the present proprietor. The present handsome and commodious premises were built by Mr. Holcroft, in 1904, and consist of a one-storied brick building, which occupies a large section adjoining the Mechanics' Institute. It contains a fine show room, a general shop, and an office, with two large plate glass windows. At the rear there is a large factory, where most of the goods for the business are made, including cabinetware, spring mattresses, upholstery, picture frames, and furniture of every description. There is a first class plant of machinery, and six persons are constantly employed; and Mr. Holcroft keeps a large and well-arranged stock of furniture of all kinds. The goods made and sold are of the best quality, and the prices are reasonable.

Mr. Sylvester Holcroft , Proprietor of the Up-to-date Warehouse and Factory, was born in Wanganui, and was educated at the Wellington College. He was afterwards apprenticed to the trade of cabinetmaking under Messrs Scoullar and Chisholm, of Wellington, and after remaining in their employment for about seven years, he worked as a journeyman in other leading warehouses in Wellington. In the year 1903, he bought his present business, and has since devoted his energies to its improvement. Mr. Holcroft is a member of several athletic clubs, and a member of the Hibernian Society.

Smale, Thomas, Furniture Dealer, Alfred Street, Blenheim. Private residence, John Street. Mr. Smale was born in Devonshire, England, in 1852, and was brought up to the drapery business, which he has followed for the greater part of his life. In 1881, he came to New Zealand, and settled in Blenheim, where he established a storekeeping business; but he is now (1905) a furniture dealer. Mr. Smale is referred to elsewhere as an ex-member of the Blenheim Borough Council.